As I look back over the day...

As I sit here, with the dryer running and TV sounds in the background, I look back on the day.   It started like most Saturdays, with me sleeping in, though not too late.   I had things to do.

Yesterday I went to Michael's, just to look around, and wound up leaving with items to make a bracelet.   I saw some Swarovski Elements (beads) and was drawn to them by the colors.  Since this weekend is celebrated in honor of those serving for our freedom, I made a patriotic bracelet.  It has magnetic clasps.  

 Went to a baby shower this afternoon.    Diapers and wet wipes was the main theme.   My niece by marriage, Kaylee, got a good start on the necessities for a baby today.  She is going to have a little girl.

Outside in my flower bed, my Asiatic Lilies are starting to bloom. 

 

 Audre finished her room today.   

All the little girl stuff is gone.  Her initials in red and a cool black/white picture.

And last but not least, I changed my mind about the Hoffman challenge at our next guild meeting.  Go figure.   I will give you a hint, but won't post a picture until I get it done. 

Hint:   There is a lot of fussy cutting going on.  :)


QUESTION:  What have you been up to, of late?


God bless and keep you,
Sonia

In Honor of...

Microsoft clip art

Imagine if you will, an image frozen in time.  The smiling face peers at you from the other side.  It is a photo of a friend.   In the photo your friend is taking a short rest, his uniform blends in with the sandy arid land surrounding him.  Though he is resting and a smile is on his face, his weapon is ever at the ready.  

It’s amazing that no matter what he sees or experiences; he always has a smile available and an encouraging word.  He starts each day making the choice to serve in order to insure your freedom stays intact.  

Try to imagine what it must be like for him in a dry and arid land with only sparse vegetation, demolished buildings and burned vehicles dotting the landscape.  

He has days where he is in need of encouragement.  He will have days where he is close to giving up on hope or the future. That is when he needs encouragement the most.  I have a friend whose picture is just like I described and he has told me the support and encouragement I provide for him in prayer and otherwise is what helps him deal with his life at war.

So if you ever wonder if your words or prayers are helping those, who are serving for the freedom you enjoy, the answer is Yes, they do.

Support those who are serving now, who have served in the past and those who are planning on serving in the future.  

Have a great Memorial Weekend and take a moment to lift all the men and women up in prayer, who are serving on your behalf.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Prayers, Quilts, Books and Powdered Donuts

I come to you this evening with powdered donuts and a tall glass of milk.  

I'm celebrating a nice surprise.  I'll tell you about it in a minute but first check out the following information posted by The Rabbit's Lair.

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Quilts for Joplin
 
Tomorrow - Friday, May 27 - we will begin our efforts in creating quilts of care for Joplin residents whose lives have been turned upside down by the tornado.


We know their recovery will be a long process, and it will be sometime before they will be able to accept our gifts of caring. Right now, the basic necessities of life are what they need. But by working on quilts now we can work toward being ready for when they can accept them.


We'll have kits available in fabrics that will make the young set smile -- "Dino" and "Dots & Daisies" -- or bring your own fabrics!


If you can't make it tomorrow, we've set some other Friday dates -- June 3 and 17, July 1 and 8.



Only Because of His Grace,
Mary Elizabeth

Posted by The Rabbit's Lair at 7:12 AM

Okay, so back to my celebration... 

I won a book!   I found out about it last week and received it in the mail today.   

The author even signed it for me.

It is titled, At the Captain's Command.  It is a love inspired historical story by Louise M. Gouge.  

I started reading the first chapter and was hooked.   This is going to be good read. :)

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I finally have it figured out... I think

For the Hoffman challenge I have decided to do a fabric bowl.  I have never done one before so it may be a challenge indeed.   I checked this book out at our local library to help me accomplish the task.

It is titled Fast, Fun & Easy Fabric Bowls by Linda Johansen.

Wish me luck with project.  :)

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Still need 19 more followers to reach my goal of 50.    

Please share my blog with others.

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Please remember all those affected by the tornadoes and storms in your prayers.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia 

Convoy of Prayer

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l |^^^^^^^^^^| |P
| ♥ PRAYERS FOR TORNADO VICTIMS ♥~♥ ||”"”;..\___.
|……_______________| l_______________1 _||__|…, ]P
“(@)’(@)”""""""*l'(@)l'(@)l """""""""""""""(@)'(@)""""'(@)
Put this on your blog and Keep this Convoy Goin'

 

 

Firsts and Laughter

Hello All!!   I trust you had a great day.   

Since my last blog was kind of dark and heavy, I thought I'd take a lighter note and focus on the "firsts" for this year here at home.

I'm always trying to get a picture of lightning.   Do you know how tough that is?   We had a storm blow through last night that knocked our electricity out for a few hours. 

Talk about some wicked wind!  

I tried to get a picture of lightning, as it was snapping and popping all over the place.  I took probably 20 pictures and this is the closest I came.  So, this is my first picture of lightning lighting up the sky.



 
Well... after that storm, (which snapped two trees, on my street, in two) blew through; I was surprised to see the first of my Tiger Lily's this morning. 

It looks like there will be more soon.  I looked at my Day Lilies and my Asiatic Lilies and they are loaded down and ready to bloom too. 




The Hens and Chicks I had last year, died.  David thinks he over watered them.   So, he got some starts from his mom for me and planted them in a pot.   He also got some Iris starts from her and planted those in my flower bed.   Here are the new little chicks, to start off this year. 

David has raised beds in the back yard for vegetables.   Here are some firsts for that garden.

Look as these little squash!

The first jalapeno pepper

and 

the first tomatoes!

So there you have it.  Some "firsts" for this year at my house.

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What to do... What to do?

I have to create something for the Hoffman challenge, my guild will be having next month. 

This is the fabric I have to use.  It's awfully pretty, but I must be suffering from quilter's block or something because I haven't come up with anything.

Any ideas?

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To bake or not to bake...

For some crazy reason, when I get stressed I start wanting to bake!   

The reason that is crazy?   

The reason is because I was not created to be a baker.

The only time I usually entertain the idea of baking, is around the holidays of Thanksgiving or Christmas.   

This can of pumpkin pie filling has been staring me down from the pantry behind me.  I have decided to bake pumpkin bread and probably a pie too, as this is one big can of pumpkin.

I'll post pics and recipes when I "get 'er done".

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"Get 'er done"

 Talk about "git 'er done",  tonight was the first time I have seen or listened to Larry the Cable Guy.  

I know he has been around for a while and you're probably thinking "what - does she live under a rock?", but I just never thought he or his show would be my cup of tea. 

Well, I was watching one of my favorite channels, The History Channel, and there he was was.   The show he is on is titled Only In America with Larry the Cable Guy.   

I watched the show, and he had me laughing out loud a few times.   At one point I got tickled just seeing him get tickled, by looking at a clown; but I have to totally agree with him, that clown just had the face for funny!  

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In Closing...

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing...Psalm 126:2 (first half)

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

PS... don't forget the giveaways and sharing my blog with others, so that I can reach 50!

Shake It Off

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. ~ Matthew 28:3

One day last week, I felt I was in the presence of a viper.  It took every ounce of my self control, to hold my tongue.  I know it was only by the grace of God I was able to do so.  Of late, I have made a habit to ask God to hold my tongue, and when my mouth does open, to put words of wisdom there, before I step into my place of employment.

The incident in which I refer to the viper, really chapped my hide.  I found myself stewing, and letting the viper control my feelings.  I knew if I didn't put a stop to it, I would very likely start plotting a way to take care of the venom that was being spit - and that would get me in more trouble, than not.

So.. I got up from my desk and went to the ladies room and locked myself in and then had a talk with the Lord.   I asked Him to remove from me the pit, my place of work has become or to remove the viper.  I asked too, that He help me control my temper, continue to hold my tongue and to give me strength to shake the viper off.   

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. ~Matthew 28:5  Paul was able to shake off the viper.  God was with him and protected him.

I know that God is with me and will protect me too.   I also know that I sometimes ask for the wrong things.  So I have repented the anger I felt when dealing with the viper.  

I know now, to watch out for any future strikes and will be better prepared.  

My prayer:  Father, you have created me to be sensitive to the effects of action and words.  Make me wise to know Your advice and to accept it.  When my mouth opens, make my word gracious and wise.  I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.    

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My Goals for this week

1.  Work on Hoffman Challenge (what to do, what to do?)

 

2.  Finish Mariner's Compass on wall (it looks pretty rough right now)

3.  Work on Family Tree (got to love that family history)  

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Check out the new giveaways I posted today.  

Lots of good stuff in each one!  

(click the Give Away tab above)

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I only need 19 more to follow, to meet my goal of 50.

Then I will have a giveaway!

Please help out and share my blog with others.

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Well... a storm is blowing in, so I will sign off.

Have a great week!!

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

I Think I Have It Down...

Today was a decompress, take it easy, chill out, kind of day. 

The meals I fixed were easy.

I finished one of the books I'm reading.  

 I watched two movies. 

Had a bowl of ice cream and am also enjoying one now.

And

I took a 3 hour nap.

Zzz ...

I think I have the decompress, take it easy, chill out thing, down.

I also found out who my Mug Rug Swap Adventure 2 partner is.    

Can you guess where I'll be sending the mug rug I make?

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I only need 19 more to follow, to meet my goal of 50.

Then I will have a giveaway!

Please help out and share my blog with others.

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Teach me Thy statutes.  Make me understand the way of Thy precepts, So I will meditate on Thy wonders.  My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Thy word.  Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Thy law.  Psalm 119:26-29

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Ping, Ping, Bong, CRASH

It all started with random notes on the piano.... ping, ping, bong....

4:35 a.m.:  I'm waking from my three hours of sleep, groggy... and thinking is Audre playing the piano in her sleep?...  you know how your minds works in that state... then it dawns on me that it is most likely not her and it's probably Elvis.

Yes, Elvis is in the house.  He's my overweight tabby.    Sure enough... I turn the hall light on and walk to the living room.  All the while the base notes are playing on the piano.  There he is, gingerly stepping on the keys. 

"Get down" I quietly said. 

Why quiet? I don't know, the piano had most of the house awake.. but none the less...  Elvis gets down and I close the piano lid, turn out the light and go back to bed.

10 minutes later:  Clang!  CRASH!!     


Elvis had somehow got on the very top of my piano, and because it is a high shine mahogany, it is slick and he slipped taking the runner, my favorite dish, an alabaster basket of flowers and a small bust of a Victorian girl to the floor.  

I'm sorry to say, my favorite dish and the basket of flowers are history.  

The bust, amazingly, didn't get much damage.   I have an antique old lamp on the piano too, and thankfully that remained steady where it was.






Well... that was the least tense part of the day.    There wound up being 48 more people let go today at work.  That was very sad for me to see, and what made it worse was that it didn't happen until the end of the day, so people were fretting all day.

   I dealt with it, this evening, by finishing off this double fudge brownie with white chocolate chips and a side of pretzels.  Yes, I imagine it was stress eating.  

However... it was yummy for the tummy!

My heart and prayers go out to all those who were let go at work today.  I will miss them, as I have missed the other 30 that received the same news, a few weeks ago.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

A Win, Brownies and Prayer

We have a winner!!  

Audre brought home a 3rd place ribbon for her catapult.  

I thought that was pretty awesome as she was competing against several kids from different schools.  :)

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Big 20!

Josh turns 20 tomorrow.  Where did the time go?  

I still remember him little and having to look up to meet my eyes when he had a question, but now, I have to look up to him when we speak. :)   Joshua likes brownies, so he will get that for his birthday instead of a cake.   I love the way the smell of baking chocolate fills the house.  

It smells so yummy!

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and Squeeze!

  

Stress balls... they are suppose to help deal with stress.   The yellow tennis ball is what use to sit in my desk drawer at work until about a day ago.   The basketball sits on my desk here at home and is never used.  The tennis ball however has been used often and by almost everyone in the office.  :)   Once again the tension has been heightened at work.  Everyone received a letter today stating another layoff  is going into effect  5/27/11, with notice of final decision of who will be laid off tomorrow.    

I have been bringing some of my things home a little at a time this past week, because quite frankly I feel my days are numbered.    I'm at peace with it though.  God has given me peace about it.   If I'm laid off, I know He will open another door for me.   I've put in 22 years, so a change would be nice...

However, I am concerned about others, that may not have the peace of mind I have.  I feel for everyone who has already been laid off and for those who will be notified tomorrow.   I have asked the prayer warriors at church to pray for them and we did this evening. 

I'm asking all my prayer warrior friends here to lift the people up in prayer.

I know God still sits on the throne and is in control of all that goes on, but not everyone has that assurance and sometimes, even for those who do, it can still be very difficult to face a lay off situation.

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 In Closing

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my Buckler (shield), and the Horn of my salvation, and my High Tower.  Psalm 18:2

God bless and keep you,

Sonia 

True North

This afternoon I started painting the Mariner's Compass on my wall, in my sewing area.   It's not finished, so I will wait until it is, before I post a pic.

Microsoft clip art

The Mariner's Compass is a very old quilt pattern.  The first recorded mariner's compass quilt is dated 1726, according to quilt pattern designer, Judy Mathieson.   This quilt pattern will look great in my bedroom as I collect the old sailing ships and have them on display in my room.   The colors I am using on my painted mariner's compass will be reflected in the quilt I will make for the bed.

As I painted, I began to reflect on this pattern.

A mariner's compass is a tool used to help sailors navigate the seas.   The compass was invented in ancient China, around 247 BC, but wasn't used in navigation until around the 1100s.  So, the mariner's compass has been around for quite a while.

Reflecting on this, I see that people have always been searching, looking for guidance.  

Today, people still search.

Like the vast sea, with its waters constantly moving,  life tosses us about.  In my life, my "mariner's compass" is the Bible.  When I'm going through a tumultuous time, being rocked by the raging waves of life, I can go to my "mariner's compass" and find an answer to a problem I'm facing or find comfort while being tossed about by the wind.

I didn't always have my "mariner's compass" or if I did, I did not use it.   I would fight the raging waves on my own, only to be knocked down and sucked in - pulled deep down under the sea.  My life then was literally dark and dreary.

Thank goodness, I no longer have to live that way.     I made a choice.  A choice to follow God and to use His Word as my guide.    I now go through life with my eye on "True North" and try not to veer off coarse.   I know though, if I do get knocked down by a rogue wave along the way, I can find my way back up with my "mariner's compass".

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Just thought I'd share Audre's marshmallow catapult with you.

The Marshmallow Catapult

Lock and Load

Marshmallow Loaded

                                               

  and FIRE!!  The marshmallow flew 27 feet!

Big brother (Josh) checking it out.

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On the way home from church this evening, the sky was once again an awesome sight.   

When I got home I took some pics.   

It's not that I'm fascinated with the moon and clouds....  I'm fascinated with God's creation.

Just think - in  the old days sailors had to use the sky too, in order to navigate.

So... may you have clear skies and a "mariner's compass" to navigate your way through the week ahead.

God bless and keep you,
Sonia

Paints, Catapult, Action!

Today was a day of moving and painting.   My daughter is re-doing her room.  So all her stuff is out of her room and in the living room and dining area.    We spent part of the day painting and she and my hubby built a  catapult she designed for a science fair she's going to this week.   She will have to finish her paint job tomorrow afternoon.

I hope to paint my "Mariner's Compass" tomorrow afternoon.  We will see if that happens or not. :)  I was going to paint it today but after painting the second coat on all four of Audre's walls today (as she was building the catapult) I decided to wait.

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I have posted 4 new giveaways. 

• House of Henrie - ends May 20
• Leona's Quilting Adventure - ends May 21
• My Organized Chaos - ends May 22
• 1 Choice 4 Quilting - ends May 29

These giveaways are pretty awesome!   Check them out on the Giveaways tab at the top.

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Still trying to reach my goal of 50  Followers

Microsoft clip art

My Goal is to reach 50 people to sign up as followers.   

Then I will have a giveaway to celebrate. 

 

Please help me reach by goal.

If you like my blog, please share it with others by posting about it and by grabbing my button and adding it to your blog.      Thanks! 

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Microsoft clip art

Not much else to share today, as I am wore out.  

I hope you all have a great Sunday and thank you all for sharing and reading my blog.

God bless and keep you,

Sonia

Changing Winds and Memories

Changing Winds 

I finished this little wall hanging last night.   

It is made up of 28 different fabrics, all 1 1/2" wide.  Sewn first, side by side... then turned to where the seams were running horizontal and cut again at an angle.  Flipped and sewn back together again... then cut on the diagonal, flipped and sewn together again.

No rhyme or reason to the construction, as this was basically a self diagnosed therapy session, but I think it turned out pretty cute.

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50  Followers

My Goal is to reach 50 more people to sign up as followers.   

Then I will have a giveaway to celebrate. 

Got any ideas on how this goal can be reached?

If you like my blog, please share it with others and let's see if I can reach my goal!

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In Closing

As the crickets and frogs sing in the warm night air, fond childhood memories are recalled...chasing the lightning bugs as they flit across the yard...the smell of fresh cut grass, while munching down on a piece of watermelon...the sweet smell of honey suckle as it takes over and covers up whatever it comes to.  

I can see the road sides while driving up Sand Mountain in Alabama, just covered with wild vines, lush and green.  I can still hear the panthers scream at night too.  I remember the creek that ran through my grandparents land and the makeshift boats we would send sailing down it.  That water was so cold, even in the summertime.  

I remember the vast wheat fields of Kansas and the scorchin' hot summers, the locusts filling the air with their songs.  I remember catching huge grasshoppers for bait, then casting a cane pole out over a body of water to catch fish.  I remember cleaning the fish too and the smell of it frying with hush puppies, as I waited, anticipating the delicious meal ahead.   

I remember the swampy land in Florida and playing out in the yard and watching it rain on the sand road in front of me and beyond, but not a drop of rain falling where I played.  I remember patches of earth where nothing would grow because a water spout had dropped ocean water there.

I remember the salty smell of the seashore and the cool wet sand between my toes.  I remember having to keep an eye out for the jelly fish too.    The sound of the waves is still soothing to my soul.  Sometimes, here in Arkansas, if I'm overlooking the area from on top of Mount Magazine and the wind is blowing through the trees, I can still hear the ocean waves - or maybe I just miss them.    I do miss the simpler times and things of life.

Funny how just a few sounds can bring up so many memories.

God bless and keep you, 

Sonia

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

 Happy Mother's Day!!

I trust all you Moms had a great day.  
Today was a beautiful day with sunny skies.  

I was surprised this morning when my two, Josh and Audre, gave me a Comparative Study Bible.  It has four translations, the King James, New International, New American Standard and the Amplified versions.  I saw this Bible at Books A Million the other day and thought it would be cool to have one.   I didn't know they were being sneaky and buying it while we were in the store.  This will help with my studies, instead of having three or four different Bibles sitting around me I can now have them in one book.  

I was surprised at church this morning too.   

A cute little kid drew my name for the Mother's Day giveaway and I got a beautiful ground cover rose.  It is loaded down with buds.  One branch broke off, so I have it in water.  Hopefully it will root and then I can plant it too.  David is going to plant the rose bush for me tomorrow. 





This afternoon we had an enjoyable visit with my Mom-n-law, Audrene.  I made her a set of coasters in the light tan color, speckled with green, maroon and brown.   Then we went to my parents house.  I made my Mom, Linda, a coaster set in the burgundy color.   At my parents house, my little nephew, Lucan, kept us in laughter.  He will be two next month and is discovering everything.

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Yesterday

 

Yesterday I began reading One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer.   I read one chapter then stopped.  I realized I needed a book mark, so I took up some thread and a crochet needle and made one.
 

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Changes

I have changed up my tabs at the top.   I only have four tabs now.  

1. Home
2. Give Aways
3. Patterns
4. Something New

Home of course is the main page where all my blogs are viewable.  Give Aways is where I will continue to post giveaways from my blogger friends and any that I may have.  Patterns will be where I post any quilt or crochet patterns and Something New is where I will be posting blogs for others to promote their website or blog.

I will mention the updates and changes to the pages as needed. 

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In Closing

May God bless you,

On this day.

The lessons you gave,

Helped light my way.

Ever grateful for all you do,

Respect and love, I have for you.

                               Sonia Parham 5/9/02

God bless and keep you,

Sonia